Arsenal vs Atletico tips and predictions: Gunners locked and loaded for Simeone’s side

Arsenal state of play

Fresh from a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will be keen to build on their 100% start in Europe with a big win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening. 

The Gunners have impressed both domestically and on the European stage, having made the perfect start to their Champions League campaign with two wins from two.

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Their toughest Champions League test so far comes in the shape of Diego Simeone’s team, who arrive in London back in form after shaking off a sluggish start to the season.

However, Arsenal have nothing to fear after their encouraging showings to date, particularly in Europe where they’re yet to concede a goal. 

Now, with confidence building and a squad that looks capable of challenging on all fronts, Arsenal could lay down another statement win here against the only team to reach three finals without having won the trophy. 

Atletico Madrid state of play

After a rocky opening to the new season, Atletico Madrid head into matchday 3 of the Champions League in resurgent form, unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions. 

Although their last trip to England ended in heartbreak courtesy of a 92nd-minute Virgil van Dijk winner, Atletico’s recent showings suggest Simeone’s side have regained their stride. 

Atleti quickly bounced back from their opening-week defeat at Liverpool by hammering Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 at home in their most recent European clash.

READ MORE: Get our full matchweek 3 Champions League tips and outright winner odds

That win followed a dominant 5-2 victory over rivals Real Madrid in La Liga, marking the first time Atletico scored five goals in a Madrid derby since 1950.

While there have been a few bumps in the road this season, Atletico rarely roll over easily. In fact, facing a Diego Simeone side is always a tough test.

With experienced players like Antoine Griezmann, who scored in the 1-1 draw when the sides last met in London during the 2018 Europa League semi-final first leg, Atletico will put up a good fight.

Key talking point: Expect a tight contest at the Emirates 

Rightly or wrongly, accusations of pragmatism have followed Mikel Arteta this season, but patience could prove Arsenal’s best weapon against a tricky opponent in Atletico Madrid. 

While it might be tempting to throw the kitchen sink at a side that has kept just two clean sheets in their last 13 games stretching back to the Club World Cup, Atletico are still a dangerous outfit.

EXPLAINED: How are football margins and probabilities calculated?

Los Colchoneros are always capable of stifling some of Arsenal’s biggest threats, something they have repeatedly done under their legendary Argentine manager. 

Although this may be one of the weaker Atletico Madrid squads Diego Simeone has had at his disposal, on their day they remain notoriously difficult to break down in Europe’s elite competition.

However, a high-flying Arsenal side will potentially have too much for them on the night, though Mikel Arteta’s side will need to show patience at times in a potentially cagey affair. 

FIRST’s top tip - Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid   

Backing Arsenal to triumph seems sensible given their strong form and home advantage, but this could be a tight, low-scoring clash.

Pick: Arsenal to win and under 3.5 goals - 23/20 with Coral

Extra tips 

While I think Arsenal will ultimately win the game, Atletico Madrid could find the back of the net on the night. 

Pick: Arsenal to win and both teams to score - 13/5 with Ladbrokes

Bukayo Saka is looking back to his very best for both club and country. I fancy the Arsenal star to score in this one.

Pick: Bukayo Saka anytime scorer - 21/10 with 7bet 

With Martin Odegaard out, Eberechi Eze could be given a chance to shine in the number 10 position once again. The former Crystal Palace hero is settling in nicely and could have a say in the game.

Pick: Eberechi Eze anytime scorer - 14/5 with 7bet

Team news

Arsenal are still without Gabriel Jesus due to a cruciate ligament injury, while fellow attackers Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Martin Odegaard are also sidelined with knee injuries. 

For Atletico Madrid, Johnny Cardoso is out with an ankle injury. 

However, after coming off the bench to score the only goal in the win over Osasuna on Saturday, Thiago Almada is back following a leg injury.

Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid predicted line-ups: 

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres (4-3-3)

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Gonzalez; Griezmann; Alvarez (4-4-2)

Form guide (all competitions) 

Arsenal: WLWWDWWWWW 

Atletico Madrid: DDWLDWWWDW

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Odds correct at the time of writing.